North Bay Haven Charter Academy
Middle School Grades 6-8
Student/Parent Handbook 2017-2018
Mike McLaughlin
Principal
Rosie Hendrickson Administrative Assistant
Jan Chapman
1 Buccaneer Drive
Panama City, Florida 32404
850-248-0801 Fax 850-215-0644
Principal – Michael McLaughlin
Assistant Principal –Nakia Morris
Administrative Assistant –Cas Gant
Administrative Assistant- Mike Kennedy
High Expectations / High Achievement
A tuition‐free public school
HISTORY
OnAugust9,2001,BayHavenCharterAcademy(BHCA)openedinPanamaCity,Florida,with225studentsin gradesK–5.By2009,BayHavenenrollmenttopped1,000studentsingradesK‐8withhundredsmoreonthe waitinglist.
OnAugust11,2010,NorthBayHavenCharterAcademy(NBH),madeupofNorthBayHavenElementary,Middle andHighSchools,andaPre‐Kprogram,openedinPanamaCity,Florida,withfullenrollmentingradesK‐9.Each schoolyear,agradelevelwillbeaddeduntilthehighschool consistsofgrades9‐12.
In July, 2014, North Bay Haven Middle and High Schools moved to the new facility on Mill Bayou. North Bay Haven Elementary School will be in its new location on 1 Buccaneer Drive with full enrollment of 6 classes in grades K‐4 and 5 classes in 5the Grade and the Pre‐K program that accepts children ages’ 2‐5 for the 2017-18 school year.
All BHCA, Inc. schools have received high rankings from the Florida Department of Education since opening.
VISION
High Expectations / High Achievement
MISSION
Asacommunityschoolof“choice”forteachers,parentsstudents,ourmissionistostrivetogether toteachbeyondthestandardsinordertomeeteachchild’sneedsthroughmotivatingstudentsto reach their uniquepotential.
AFFILIATIONS
Bay Haven Charter Academy, INC.
Welcome to the Haven Family! Below is a bit about us:
Currently, we have two elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school serving over 3000 students in Bay County. All of our charter schools are public schools, receiving FTE funding. Parents or legal guardians can make application for their child(ren) to attend. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of spaces available, then we are compelled to hold a public lottery, which is audited by Carr, Riggs, Ingram and Associates. The lottery is computer generated, unbiased, completely transparent and available for public review.With this system, there is no possibility of ”behind the scenes” preferential selection or rejection of any student.
We accept all Bay County students, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or special education status (unless they are designated for a center school). There is no academic requirement for entry. We accept students of all performance levels and take them from where they are and elevate them to their highest potential academically, morally, ethically and socially. We are truly a “High Expectations/High Achievement” school system, where there is no “dumbing down” of our curriculum or our expectations of student conduct. We believe competition drives higher levels of creativity and performance in education, just as it does in business. Students honestly earn what they receive. At our high school graduation, we continue to honor the valedictorian, salutatorian and “Top Ten” for academic performance.
We are compelled by state law to teach the Florida Standards and participate in the FSA (Florida Standards Assessments).However, we teach beyond the standards and firmly believe in setting expectations for our learners based upon a powerful work ethic. Our curriculum demands rigor and a process/product-based approach as demonstrated in our participation and success in competitions such as Science Fair, History Fair and Math Counts.For the last fifteen years, the“Haven”schools have consistently ranked in the top 10% of all traditional and charter public schools in the State of Florida. We have the highest FCAT and EOC (End of Course) examination scores in Bay County every year in virtually every subject at every grade level.
BHCA, INC. is an organization of conservative values with the knowledge that not all students go to or need to go to college. Many move toward careers that better suit their life goals. However, our high school college preparatory program called SAIL (Studies in Advanced and Innovative Learning) is rich in Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses. Our equally rigorous middle school program is called Pre-SAIL. Both programs are complemented with an advanced, beyond the standards K-5 curriculum.
Please go to for more information on our mission and our schools.
Respectfully,
Larry R. Bolinger
CEO
A Message From Your Principal
Welcome to North Bay Haven Charter Academy, one of the best schools in not only Bay County but in the state of Florida. Ourexemplaryfacultyand staff alongwith our parent(s)/guardian(s) andstudentshavehelpedour school becomeanoutstandingschool.Thishas been evidenced byour student successes inactivities,competitionsandonvarious forms ofFSAassessments!Our studentsrosetothechallengesetbeforethemofHighExpectations/ HighAchievement. Thisyear, weexpect tocontinueour questfor even greateraccomplishments!
There is a reason why we are successful and it is quite simple actually. We have high expectations of everyone- students- staff members and our parents. We work extremely hard and reap the benefits. Along with this hard work is another important factor; we are never content, but rather, seeking to improve daily. We will work feverishly to ensure your child attends the school with the best and most up to date technologies and the best innovative and research based curriculum. We will be preparing your child to be able to perform at a high level.
Families are also an essential part tothesuccessofNorthBayHaven Charter Academy.Parent involvementisakeycomponentto anychild’sacademic,socialandemotionalsuccess. AtNorth BayHaven Charter Academy,itisafundamental component foreach child’s well being.Our topcaliberfacultyandstaffhave beenchosen becausetheyshareinthebeliefof raisingandeducatingchildren totheir highestpotential. Togetherwecanachievethesegoals. Although you may not agree with everything we do, we need your support. Without it we can’t be successful.
North BayHavenCharter Academywillstrivetohaveevenmoresuccessthan wehavehadin previous years.To that end,the facultyandstaff willworkinpartnershipwith students andparent(s)/guardian(s)tohelpeverystudentreach their highestpotential. Challengeis importantfor allchildren, butnottobemadesodifficult thattheyfeel lost or soeasytheybecomebored.Wewill workwith theparent(s)/guardian(s)toattainabalanceforeach child.Parent/Teacher conferenceswillbeheldduringtheyear.Progressreportsandreportcardswhichdetail studentachievement aremadeavailabletoparent(s)/guardian(s) online.
Thetwentyhoursofrequired volunteertimecanbereached byhelpingwiththelunchroom,classroom, playground, fieldtrips andfundraisers. Thetimespent asaclassroom volunteer is especiallyappreciated. We encourageparent(s)/guardian(s)tobecome meaningfullyinvolved involunteeringatNorthBayHaven Charter Academy. Your involvement is extremely important. You will only take advantage of this school with the amount of involvement you put into it. We need you!
Communication isakeyelementinthesuccessofourschool.Besure tocheckyour child’s plannereverynight, reviewteachers’websites frequentlyand read allcommunication senthome. Readingtheweeklyemailblasts senttoparent(s)/guardian(s)from theschool isthebestwayto stayinformed aboutschool eventsandinformation. Also, pay attention to our website calendar as it always has important dates and these are updated weekly. Finally, my door is alwaysopen for you so if you have any questions or concerns stop in and see us.
Thankyoufor sharing yourchildren withour familyoffacultyandstaff atNorth BayHaven Charter Academy.I am looking forward to a great year!
MikeMcLaughlin
K-12 Principal
NBHCA
BHCA–Middle SchoolBayHavenCharterAcademy,Inc.
NBHCA–ElementarySchool2017–2018 Calendar
NBHCA–MiddleSchoolHighExpectations/HighAchievement
NBHCA–High School
Day / Date / Description
Tuesday / August1 / Instructional Contract DistrictIn‐Service Day 1
Wednesday / August2 / Instructional Contract DistrictIn‐Service Day 2
Thursday / August3 / (School-Based)In‐Service
Friday / August4 / (School-Based)In‐Service
Monday / August7 / Pre-School Planning
Tuesday / August8 / Pre-School Planning
Wednesday / August9 / Pre-School Planning
Wednesday / August10 / StudentsFirstDay ofSchool
Monday / September4 / LaborDayNoSchoolStaff/Students
Monday / October9 / ColumbusDayNoSchoolStaff/Students
Thursday / October12 / Endof1stNine Weeks
Friday / October13 / Teacher PLC Planning Day (School out for Students)
Friday / November10 / VeteransDay NoSchoolStaff/Students
Mon‐Friday / November20-24 / ThanksgivingBreakNoSchoolallWeekStaff/Students
Monday / November 27 / Return from ThanksgivingBreak
Thursday / December21 / EarlyRelease for ChristmasBreak, End of 2nd Nine Weeks
Friday / December22 / ChristmasBreakNoSchoolStaff/Students
Monday / January 8 / Teachers return from Christmas break – work day – no students
Monday / January15 / Martin Luther KingDayNoSchoolStaff/Students
Monday / February19 / PresidentsDayNoSchoolStaff/Students
Friday / March 16 / End of 3rd Nine Weeks
Monday / March19 / SpringBreak
Monday / March26 / Return from Spring Holidays
Friday / March30 / GoodFriday (School outforStudentsandTeachers)
Thursday / May 24 / BHCAINCStudentsLastDay/EarlyRelease
Friday / May 25 / TeachersPostPlanningDay
Teacher Days / Holidays / Student Days
August / 23 / 16
September / 20 / 1 / 20
October / 21 / 1 / 20
November / 16 / 2 / 16
December / 15 / 1 / 15
January / 17 / 2 / 16
February / 19 / 1 / 19
March / 16 / 16
April / 21 / 21
May / 19 / 1 / 18
187 / 9 / 177
North Bay Haven Charter Academy
Middle School/High School
Drop Off / Pick Up Map
Table of Contents
Attendance / 3Check Writing / 6
Cafeteria Program / 7
Committees and BHCA, Inc. Board of Directors / 8
Communication / 9
Curriculum / 10
Discipline / 11
Dress Code / 13
Electronics / 15
16
Emergencies / 16
Enrollment / 16
Extracurricular Activities - Elementary / 17
Family Rights and Privacy Act / 17
Field Trips / 18
Grading / 19
Grievances / 20
“Home Learning” Policy / 20
Lost and Found / 21
Materials, Books, Backpacks, Lockers andSupplies / 21
Medication / 22
Pediculosis (Head Lice) / 22
Pupil Progression / 22
Rights of Student Dismissal / 23
Safety and Weather / 24
Student Gifts / 24
Student Picture Waiver / 25
Students’ Rights / 26
Student Surveys / 26
Summer Work / 27
Suspension and Expulsion / 28
Telephone Use – Front Office / 29
Volunteer Hours and Rules / 30
Annual Notices, Policies, andLaws / 31
1.Wear their uniform with pride and adhere to the uniform policy according to the studenthandbook.
2.Be involved- attend meetings and after school events, be part of our clubs- this is yourschool.
3.Study for tests, complete assigned work and do his/ herhomework.
4.Be on time each and every day- “15 MinuteRule.”
5.Get the planner signed everyday.
6.Come to school cleandaily.
7.Clean up after him/ herself and help keep our school clean both inside andout.
8.Accept consequences for his/heractions.
9.Adhere immediately to “give me five” call forsilence.
10.Keep hands and feet to him/herself.
11.Walk on the right side of the hallway in a quiet, calm manner while moving aroundcampus.
12.Not use inappropriatelanguage.
13.Say “please” and “thank you” and will write a “thank you note” whenappropriate.
14.Say “ma’am” and “sir” when responding to anyadult.
15.Hold open doors forothers.
16.Offer to help others by asking them “can I helpyou?”
17.Say “good morning” each day to the adults in thebuilding.
18.Not walk between adults who arespeaking.
19.When listening to someone speak, give them eye contact and do not talk while someone else istalking.
20.Say, “I’m sorry” when my actions hurt others and do not do itagain.
21.Not spread, start rumors or engage ingossip.
22.Use kind words by being respectful each and everyday.
23.Not argue withadults.
24.Be respectful during the pledge of allegiance and the moment ofsilence.
25.Show character and be a leader at alltimes!
High Expectations/High Achievement
NORTH BAY HAVEN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Bell Schedule
1stpd8:00 a.m.- 9:00 a.m.
2ndpd9:09 a.m.- 9:57 a.m.
3rdpd10:01 a.m.-10:54 a.m.
LUNCH 10:54 a.m. -11.24 a.m.
4thpd10:58 a.m.-11:58 a.m.
LUNCH 11:58 a.m. 12:28 p.m.
4thpd11:28 a.m.12:28 p.m.
5thpd12:32 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.
6thpd1:29 p.m.- 2:22 p.m.
7thpd2:26 p.m.- 3:20 p.m.
1
Attendance
Students must be in attendance ninety percent of our school days or they may be considered for retention. Students may be checked out, but no earlier than 15 minutes before the scheduled end of the school day unless the checkout is due to a verifiable illness or a doctor/dentist appointment. Students demonstrate personal responsibility by being in class on time and meeting deadlines when turning in their work. Accountability is developmental and increases dramatically as students’ progress through North Bay Haven. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are expected to check assignments on line, communicate through planners, have conferences with teachers, visit and assist in classes and become involved outside of regular school time.
Arrival at school
Teaching and learning begins at 8:00 a.m. Students are dismissed to their classrooms at 7:50 a.m. to unpack for the day. Students are expected to be in their seats no later than8:00 a.m. Students need to learn the importance of regular school attendance. In addition, it is important that students report to school on time. There is supervision before 7:00 a.m. for students. Students arriving before 7:50 a.m. are expected to report directly to the cafeteria. This may change as the year progresses, but for now we appreciate your cooperation.
Student dismissal/pick up
Students must leave the school grounds immediately after dismissal unless enrolled in the Aftercare program or extracurricular activities. Parent(s)/guardian(s) MUST wait for their children outside the school. Students are not expected to hang out after school. If a child is here more than 25 minutes after dismissal time, the child will be taken to Aftercare and parent(s)/guardian(s) will be charged the Aftercare drop‐in rate.
Pick‐up plans should be finalized before the student comes to school. However, should an emergency arise and the parent has to phone to leave a message for a student regarding pick up, the parent must do so before 1:45 p.m. If a parent calls after this time we cannot guarantee that the student will receive the message.
Before releasing a student from school, the principal or his/her designee shall establish the identity and authority of any individual who seeks the release of a student from school. A student shall be released only to the parent(s)/guardian(s) or other person(s) authorized by the parent(s)/guardian(s) on the student’s Emergency Information Form. Should a person other than one authorized by the parent(s)/guardian(s) request the release of a student, the principal or his/her designee shall first obtain verbal consent of the parent(s)/guardian(s) before releasing the student. In the event that a dispute arises between parent(s)/guardian(s) regarding who is authorized to pick up a student from school, the student shall be released only to the parent(s)/guardian(s) registeringthestudentforschool.Parent(s)/guardian(s)shallfilloutandreturntotheschoolanewEmergency Information Form at the beginning of each school year. At the discretion of the principal, the parent(s)/guardian(s) may be asked to physically sign the student out. Parent(s)/guardian(s) or other persons authorizedbytheparent(s)/guardian(s)topickupachildmusthaveapictureIDtoprovetheyhaveauthorityto remove the student fromcampus.
To avoid having the school become involved in personal family conflicts, parent(s)/guardian(s) should submit to school authorities’ copies of any legal documents which indicate who has legal access to the child and his/her records during school hours. In the absence of legal documentation school officials will provide access only to those individuals whose names appear on the student data card. Friends and strangers will be denied access to a student in the absence of verified parental consent. Even if we know you are a parent/guardian, but you do not have court specified rights to pick a child up at a time different from that specified, we will need to secure permission prior to release.
All parent(s)/guardian(s) must remain outside the school buildings prior to dismissal time. A pick‐up and drop‐ off traffic plan is included with this handbook. Please follow it to ensure the safety of students. For all others, teacherswillbringthestudentstothedesignated pick‐upareaorforbustransportation.Pleasedonotblockin the driveway or accessareas.
Absences
Anytime a student returns to school after an absence, a note must be brought from home. Documentation for excused absences must be filed with the main office within three (3) days of the absence or the absence is unexcused. If a student is going to be absent, please call the school office by 3pm to confirm absence for that day. It is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s) to determine the reason for each absence that has not been pre‐approved. Parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be required to justify the student’s absence. Justification will be evaluated based on the policy as stated below regarding excused or unexcused absences. The final decision for approval will rest with the school principal. Acceptable excuses for students’ absences are as follows:
- Illness(physician’snoterequiredafter3consecutivedaysofstudentabsence)
- A death in thefamily
- Adentalordoctorappointment(statementfromdoctor’sofficerequired)
- A courtappearance
- Aschool‐sponsoredeventoractivitythathasbeenpreviouslyapproved
- Areligiousholiday.Astudentmaybereleasedfromschoolinordertoparticipateinareligious observanceuponwrittenrequestofhis/herparent/guardian.
Unexcused absences are those absences that are not justified, according to the rules of this policy, by the parent/guardian. In addition, truancy, out of school suspension, expulsion and/or skipping are considered unexcused absences.
Please stay home when sick: Those with any fever or flu‐like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever‐reducing medicines. Students should stay home even if they are using medication.
Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette: Stay home when sick, wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, and cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available).
1
Tardy policy
Classroom doors will close at 8:00 a.m. Students sometimes arrive late. If you arrive after 8:10 a.m., go directly to class. If it is after 8:20 a.m. you must report to the office and sign in. Please be responsible – please be on time each student is responsible for regular and punctual class attendance. Students must be inside the classroom by 8:00 a.m. in order not to be considered tardy. Students who leave more than 15 minutes before a class is over will be given a Late Absence. The school office will determine if the period of absence is excused or unexcused. A designated school representative will investigate chronic tardiness and late absences. Five tardies will equal 1 unexcused absence. Parent(s)/guardian(s) will be required to attend a Child Study Team conference if a student is chronically tardy.
Early Dismissal
Anystudentleavingschoolpriortodismissalwillhaveanearlydismissalloggedtohis/herrecord.Anytimea childhas3unexcusedearlydismissalsinonemonth,theparent(s)/guardian(s)willbesentanotereminding them of the academic mission of North Bay Haven Elementary and request communication. Excused early dismissalsaregivenfordoctor’sappointmentswithnotesfromthedoctorandforextremeemergencies.
After5unexcusedearlydismissalsinagradingperiod,aletterwillbesentrequiringaconferencetoexplain the seriousness of the matter and go over the potential consequences of another early dismissal per attendancepolicy
Early dismissal from a field trip is only permitted in emergency situations and with prior written consent from school administration.
Skipping class
One or more of the following criteria defines skipping class:
1.Failuretocheckoutwhenleavingschoolbeforetheendoftheofficialschoolday.
2.Absentfromclasswithoutparent(s)/guardian(s)knowledgeand/orpermission.
3.Absentfromclasswithoutteacherknowledgeand/orpermission.
Family Leave
Although the school does not support students missing school for vacation purposes, any student missing school for vacation must notify the administration in advance. Notification must be made in writing at least two weeks in advance so teachers can have the appropriate work ready for each student. This will be considered part of our Family Leave Policy days per school year with a maximum of 5. If your child is receiving a “D” or “F” in a class, the administration strongly suggests you NOT take leave. The principal has the authority to disapprove leave requests. Denial offamilyleavewillbeconsideredanunexcusedabsence.
Students with a 2.0 or lower G.P.A. in core subjects are encouraged not to miss school
1
Make‐Up Work: Excused Absences
Students are expected to make up all work missed during excused absences. The student must contact the teacher on the first day back in school in order to make arrangements to make up the work. Missed classwork and homework is to be made up on a 1:1 ratio. If the student is absent one day, he/she has one day to make up homework or classwork. If the student is absent two days, he/she has two days to make up the missed classwork or homework, and so on. The teacher and/or the principal may grant additional time for making up work if warranted by the individual situation. All assignments, including tests and exams, announced in advance of the